New, affordable housing development meeting in Church Hill

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - A new, affordable housing town home development is under construction right now in Church Hill. Next Wednesday, you will have a chance to learn more about the development at an informational meeting set for 5:30 p.m. on May 12.

The work is well underway in Church Hill for the new Pillars at Oakmont. In just three short months, it is quickly becoming reality, affordable housing for people to take advantage of.

The group of more than a dozen volunteers on Friday are hard at work on what could be your new home, one wall at a time.

Leisha LaRiviere with Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity is keeping a close eye on this mixed income town house complex.

"Affordable housing is such a big need in Central Virginia and beyond, especially in this time of economic difficulty for so many of us," says LaRiviere.

Fifteen units will dot the land in a green building. This first of it's kind made by Habitat for Humanity nationwide. Being a green building, it will mean some big energy savings for you and some are still available with a no interest loan.

But there's a catch to that big incentive. "Some sweat equity! Some building along side our volunteers that is required along with some credit counseling and our home buyer education classes," says LaRiviere.

In all, 3,000 volunteers will be hard at work, for the next several months to make sure this new community that fits in right with the rest of the homes in Church Hill.

"Not just putting in what we always typically build in these homes, but looking at what their houses look like (the other buildings) into our design," says LaRiviere.

The project is about a year behind schedule. But with money from the city, and many donors, leaders say these affordable homes will quickly become a symbol of hope... for Church Hill.

All of the units are expected to be complete by October of this year.

There is an informational meeting set for Wednesday of next week, May 12, at 5:30pm. It will be held at the Peter Paul Development Center. That's at 1708 North 22nd Street in Richmond.